FA Continental Tyres Cup kicks off this weekend

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace host the opening games in the Conti Cup on Saturday evening, while Sunday’s ties feature holders Arsenal against West Ham, Birmingham City versus last season’s beaten finalists Manchester City and Liverpool meeting North West rivals Manchester United.

There are competition debuts for Sheffield United and Crystal Palace on Saturday, with the Blades travelling to Aston Villa and the Eagles hosting Spurs in a London derby.

Another capital clash comes on Sunday as the Gunners begin their defence of the trophy against newcomers West Ham, while Manchester City have a tricky tie at Birmingham City.

Liverpool and Manchester United meet again in the televised game at Prenton Park, after their pre-season friendly was abandoned due to injury to Red Devils goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain.

Chelsea have home advantage over Brighton, Reading entertain Durham in an early kick off, Leicester City’s first ever Conti Cup tie sees them host top flight Bristol City, while London Bees take on Yeovil and two of last term’s FAWPL Southern Division rivals – Lewes and Charlton Athletic – go head-to-head.